Background | Name | Sources | Uses | Substitutes and Alternative Sources
Background Germanium is a metallic-looking, grayish-white element. Despite its metallic appearance, it is not considered a metal, but a metalloid. This means that in some ways it is like a metal (for instance, its metallic appearance) but in other significant ways it is more like a non-metal (for instance, it is not as good a conductor of electricity as true metals are). Its atomic number is 32 and its symbol is Ge.
Germanium was discovered in 1886 by the German chemist Clemens A. Winkler. Winkler discovered germanium in the mineral argyrodite. However, germanium rarely forms distinct minerals. The existence of germanium was predicted in 1871 by the chemist Mendeleev. He predicted this new element would have properties very similar to silicon. His predictions ultimately proved to be very accurate.
Germanium is not necessary to human health; however, its presence in the body does stimulate metabolism. In addition, studies indicate it also plays a role in the function of the immune system.
